Blog Posts About Workplace Wellness | Soothe https://www.soothe.com/articles/category/workplace-wellness/ Soothe: On-Demand Massage & Personal Care Services Wed, 19 Feb 2025 03:52:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://www.soothe.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/cropped-cropped-soothe-logo-hands-blue-32x32.png Blog Posts About Workplace Wellness | Soothe https://www.soothe.com/articles/category/workplace-wellness/ 32 32 Wellness Incentives for Your Workplace Wellness Program https://www.soothe.com/articles/wellness-incentives-for-your-workplace-wellness-program/ Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:47:00 +0000 https://www.soothe.com/?p=80463 Workplace wellness is more than a trend; it’s a strategic investment in your most valuable asset—your employees. Research shows that over 70% of employees believe wellness programs improve their work satisfaction and engagement. Whether reducing stress, improving productivity, or supporting retention, offering thoughtful wellness incentives sets companies apart in the competitive job market.  At Soothe, […]

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Workplace wellness is more than a trend; it’s a strategic investment in your most valuable asset—your employees. Research shows that over 70% of employees believe wellness programs improve their work satisfaction and engagement. Whether reducing stress, improving productivity, or supporting retention, offering thoughtful wellness incentives sets companies apart in the competitive job market. 

At Soothe, we specialize in helping HR professionals and corporate wellness directors create effective, manageable programs that prioritize employee well-being.

Here are five top wellness incentives that you should integrate into your workplace wellness program in 2025:

Top Wellness Incentives to Include in Your Workplace Program

1. On-Site Massage Services

One of the most sought-after workplace wellness incentives, on-site massage provides employees with immediate stress relief while improving physical and mental well-being.

  • Benefits: Reduces stress, alleviates muscle tension, and boosts focus—helping employees recharge without leaving the workplace.
  • Soothe’s Support: We offer flexible, recurring on-site massage appointments, ensuring seamless scheduling for teams of any size. Our vetted, licensed professionals deliver spa-quality experiences directly to your office.

2. Corporate Wellness Events

Wellness events are a powerful way to boost morale, foster community, and educate employees on holistic health practices.

  • Ideas for Events:
    • “Stress-Relief Day” featuring chair massages and relaxation techniques.
    • Mindfulness Workshops combining breathing exercises with light movement.
    • Wellness Weeks with rotating activities like nutrition talks, guided stretches, and chair massages.

Soothe provides dedicated support to help you plan, organize, and execute wellness events tailored to your team’s needs with a lasting impact.

3. Mental Health Support and Breaks

Incorporating mental wellness into your program is essential. Offering dedicated mental health breaks, mindfulness activities, or access to counseling services can profoundly impact employee morale and mental resilience.

Pairing mental health breaks with physical incentives—like massage—creates a holistic approach to stress reduction.

4. Employee Recognition through Wellness Perks

Recognizing employees’ hard work with wellness rewards is a meaningful way to show appreciation. Instead of traditional incentives like gift cards, consider wellness-focused perks that align with healthier lifestyles:

  • Massage vouchers
  • Wellness care packages
  • Access to on-demand personal care services

Soothe simplifies this with corporate programs that scale to fit your budget, team size, and locations.

5. Flexibility and Movement Programs

Encourage employees to stay active throughout the day with initiatives like guided stretching breaks or ergonomic assessments. Short, regular sessions can reduce fatigue and improve overall posture—particularly for desk-bound employees.

Integrating wellness into daily routines makes healthy habits accessible to everyone.

How Soothe Supports Your Corporate Wellness Program
Soothe understands that planning and managing a workplace wellness initiative can feel overwhelming. That’s why we provide full support to simplify every step, from scheduling services to managing logistics.

  • On-Site Solutions: Flexible programs tailored to your team’s unique needs, whether they work on-site or remote.
  • Event Management: Expert planning resources for stress-free wellness events.
  • Trusted Professionals: Access to Soothe’s marketplace of licensed, vetted professionals ready to deliver exceptional service.

Our goal is to help you build a sustainable wellness culture that fosters engagement, reduces stress, and improves overall team productivity.

Ready to Improve Your Wellness Program? Investing in employee wellness pays off through improved satisfaction, retention, and morale. With Soothe, offering meaningful wellness incentives like on-site massage services and corporate wellness events is easier than ever.

Contact us today to learn how Soothe can help you design and implement a customized workplace wellness program that supports your team’s well-being and success.

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The Cost and Benefits of Workplace Wellness Programs in 2025 https://www.soothe.com/articles/the-cost-and-benefits-of-workplace-wellness-programs-in-2025/ Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:58:02 +0000 https://www.soothe.com/?p=80367 Why Employee Wellness is Non-Negotiable In the modern workplace, employee wellness has transitioned from a “nice-to-have” to a strategic imperative. As businesses navigate 2025, investing in workplace wellness programs offers a distinct advantage. But what are the costs and benefits of prioritizing wellness, and what are the potential consequences of ignoring it? The Benefits of […]

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Why Employee Wellness is Non-Negotiable

In the modern workplace, employee wellness has transitioned from a “nice-to-have” to a strategic imperative. As businesses navigate 2025, investing in workplace wellness programs offers a distinct advantage. But what are the costs and benefits of prioritizing wellness, and what are the potential consequences of ignoring it?

The Benefits of Workplace Wellness Programs

  1. Improved Productivity and Performance: Employees who feel physically and mentally well are more productive. Research consistently shows that wellness initiatives improve focus and reduce absenteeism, leading to measurable performance gains.
  2. Talent Attraction and Retention: In a competitive job market, comprehensive wellness programs act as a magnet for top talent. Employees increasingly prioritize companies that care about their well-being.
  3. Cost Savings on Healthcare: Preventative measures such as stress management, exercise programs, and mental health support significantly reduce healthcare costs over time. For example, stress-reducing interventions have been shown to cut down on claims related to cardiovascular issues and mental health treatments.
  4. Boosted Employee Engagement: Wellness programs signal that employers value their staff, creating a more engaged and loyal workforce. Engaged employees are 17% more productive and exhibit 41% lower absenteeism rates.
  5. Customizable and Scalable Solutions: Modern wellness programs are not one-size-fits-all. Tools like Soothe’s corporate wellness offerings provide scalable, tech-enabled solutions tailored to both remote and on-site employees.

The Average Costs of Workplace Wellness Programs Per Employee

The average cost of a workplace wellness program per employee can range from $150 to $1,200 per employee per year.

While the benefits are substantial, these initiatives do come with upfront costs:

  • Program Development and Implementation: Designing a robust wellness program requires initial investment in planning, tools, and services.
  • Time Commitment: Successful programs require employee participation and management involvement, which may momentarily detract from day-to-day operations.
  • Ongoing Maintenance: Regular updates and continued engagement efforts are necessary to sustain effectiveness.

However, these costs pale in comparison to the financial and reputational losses businesses face by neglecting wellness.

The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Employee Wellness

  1. Rising Healthcare Costs: Companies without wellness programs see higher insurance premiums and healthcare claims. Chronic stress and burnout can lead to costly health issues, such as diabetes and heart disease.
  2. Decreased Productivity: Absenteeism and presenteeism (being physically present but unproductive due to stress or illness) significantly drain resources. It’s estimated that unwell employees cost businesses thousands per capita annually in lost productivity.
  3. High Turnover Rates: Employees who feel undervalued are likely to seek opportunities elsewhere, resulting in higher recruitment and training costs.
  4. Poor Brand Reputation: Today’s workforce shares their work experiences on platforms like Glassdoor and LinkedIn. Companies that fail to prioritize wellness risk public backlash and diminished employer brand, making attracting top candidates more difficult.

Wellness is a Strategic Imperative

In 2025, wellness programs have evolved into strategic tools that integrate seamlessly into corporate ecosystems. 

Investing in employee wellness is not just an ethical choice; it’s a business strategy. While there are costs associated with implementing workplace wellness programs, the long-term savings, productivity gains, and enhanced employee satisfaction far outweigh these expenditures. Conversely, ignoring wellness can lead to escalating costs, poor employee morale, and competitive disadvantages.

The choice is clear: prioritize wellness, or pay the price. 

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Celebrating International Women’s Day With Soothe https://www.soothe.com/articles/international-womens-day-2023/ Thu, 09 Mar 2023 00:26:35 +0000 https://www.soothe.com/?p=79103 On International Women’s Day and every day, we honor the women that work to bring wellness to the world by making self-care more accessible. Meet some of the women who support those seeking wellness and the licensed professionals that join Soothe’s expanding network.   Simone | Australia I’ve been with Soothe now for almost seven years, […]

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On International Women’s Day and every day, we honor the women that work to bring wellness to the world by making self-care more accessible. Meet some of the women who support those seeking wellness and the licensed professionals that join Soothe’s expanding network.  

Simone | Australia

I’ve been with Soothe now for almost seven years, and I have loved every minute of the journey. I have a twenty-year background in wellness and massage, having worked in some of the top day spas in Australia and also in chiropractic clinics, alongside physios, and wellness centres.

What I like most about working for a wellness company is that I get the opportunity to be a part of something that helps people improve their way of living and can raise their level of health and of course wellbeing! My favourite self-care practice would have to be meditation, a yoga class and my monthly massages (they’re the best)!

Emily | Phillippines

Working at a Soothe is a breath of fresh air. I feel valued and appreciated for everything that I do. Being part of a people-centric company promotes an environment that encourages creativity and innovation from every one of us.

My favorite self-care practice is reading a book, particularly self-help books. They give me new ideas on how to become a better version of myself.  I also go walking or jogging during weekends.

Natasha | United States

I’m a passionate individual with a strong work ethic. I take pride in delivering an exceptional experience to Soothe’s clients and providers. I have an extensive background in customer experience and the beauty industry, and I believe in Soothe’s mission to bring wellness to the world.

I’m a busy Mom of 2 teenage girls, and I enjoy traveling and experiencing new cultures, music, and art. My favorite self-care practice includes a girl’s spa day and walking on the beach. 

Karolina | United Kingdom

It’s been the most fulfilling space to connect with a compassionate, international community that is just as excited about the importance of wellness, keeping active and staying healthy. The world can feel a little crazy and chaotic at times, and I love that we’re helping to make self-care an essential part of people’s lifestyles.

Short, guided meditation helps me prepare for the day, and yoga on the beach is invigorating. But nothing beats a massage after a solid gym session or a trek in the mountains. It feels like I earned it!

Hanna | Phillippines

Working at Soothe has been an amazing journey. It’s not just given me the opportunity to grow my career but has given me a chance to meet awesome people. My favorite self-care activity at this moment is going to the gym, and doing activities that balance my physical and mental health.

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In Office Massage Therapy: Thinking About Offering “Massage” To Employees? https://www.soothe.com/articles/office-massage/ Tue, 11 Oct 2022 02:55:19 +0000 https://www.soothe.com/?p=78808 If you’ve been thinking about offering office massage therapy to your employees, you’re not alone. Over the last few years, we’ve seen some of the biggest brands in the world offering corporate messages to employees and we love it! Office massage therapy has a lot of benefits and perks, we understand how important employee wellness […]

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If you’ve been thinking about offering office massage therapy to your employees, you’re not alone. Over the last few years, we’ve seen some of the biggest brands in the world offering corporate messages to employees and we love it!

Office massage therapy has a lot of benefits and perks, we understand how important employee wellness is. We’ve seen this trend playing out over the last few years. While the pandemic halted employee wellness programs across the world, we’re now starting to see companies once again focus on employee wellness.

In this study, HR.com reported that mental and emotional well-being have surpassed physical well-being as a critical focus for employer wellness programs. In fact, several respondents weighted the most important well-being initiatives as follows:

  • Mental and emotional (78%)
  • Work environment (70%)
  • Physical (66%)
  • Financial (56%)
  • Social (48%)

In a similar vein, over 64% of companies listed employee mental health as one of their top five HR priorities in WellRight’s survey.

As you can see from the survey, mental health, emotional health, and work environment top the list. Thanks to research and studies, we know that massage can help reduce stress and anxiety. A one-hour massage lowers cortisol in your body while also releasing serotonin. This hormone neurotransmitter is sometimes called the “happy chemical” because it reduces feelings of depression and carries signals between nerves and your body. By lowering cortisol and increasing serotonin, you’re boosting your body’s ability to fight off pain, anxiety and feelings of sadness.

A massage does more than just feel good. It can lower the amount of cortisol in your body. This hormone is produced when your body is stressed. It increases glucose in your bloodstream, enhances your brain’s use of glucose and curbs functions that are nonessential in a fight-or-flight situation.

If you’re thinking about adding massage to your employee wellness program or considering launching a new program, it can be very beneficial.

What Is Office Massage?

Office massage generally refers to massage services that are provided for employees at their place of work. This can include both chair massage or table massage. Depending on the massage company you use, a wide variety of different massages may be offered, such as;

In some scenarios, office massage events are a one-time occurrence, employers will scheduled them with a spring or summer employee event. Over the last few years, we’ve seen trends moving toward hosting multiple massage events per year. Corporate massage events can occur on a regular basis, they’re usually part of a corporate massage program or some type of wellness initiative offered to employees.

When it comes to hosting corporate massage programs for your employees, these events can occur as many times necessary, or what ever frequency that makes sense for the size of your company. You could have anywhere from one massage therapist once a month, to several massage therapists daily. Or you could fall somewhere in between: a few massage therapists in your office once or twice a week.

Massage programs allow participants to receive regular massage services, which helps them experience the cumulative benefits of massage. Typically, a massage program will be set up with a schedule so employees know when they’ll be getting their massage.

Companies will start a massage program because they want to see an improvement in employee wellness, lowered stress levels, increased concentration at work, and reduced injuries or muscle strain at work.

Why Employers Should Offer Massage To Employees

Companies don’t invest in massage without wanting to achieve specific goals, there’s a reason employers want to offer massage to employees.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons why companies use corporate massage programs.

Massage Shows Your Employees You Care: While companies can offer a number of different amenities and perks to employees, massage is one of those that stand out. Massage therapy has many benefits and a large percentage of employees don’t recognize at first because they’ve never had a professional massage before.

When Employees Feel Appreciated, They Work Harder: Appreciation can go a long way, all of us want to feel appreciated for the work we do. 

A study by online career site Glassdoor revealed that more than 80 percent of employees say they’re motivated to work harder when their boss shows appreciation for their work, compared to less than 40 percent who are inspired to work harder when their boss is demanding or because they fear losing their job.

Positive ROI: Investment in perks like massage, reflexology or yoga does have return on investment – if it succeeds in making workers feel supported. At Google, employee satisfaction rose 37% as a result of investing in non-financial employee support initiatives.

Employee Retention: Employees are the heart and soul of your company. In 2022, it’s a lot tougher to keep talent. 57% of workers are open to looking for a new job. That’s nearly 6 out of 10 workers. Employee initiatives can play a role here, massage may help your employees feel more appreciated and less stressed.

Reduce Stress At Work: Another recent study shows that 60 percent of Americans say work is a significant source of stress, a service like onsite massage is an effective way to lower employee stress. You can see the study here.

Is An Office Massage Program Right For Your Company?

Some of the biggest companies in the world that offer employee massage events have something in common – they felt massage was a great initiative and well worth the investment. These are some of the most successful companies of the past century, why would they invest in corporate massage programs and events?

While we’ll never fully understand why, we do know a major majority of employees love working for them. These companies are highly regarded as some of the top companies to work for according to employees. Is it because employees feel that the company has their best interest at heart? Is it because they feel less stress due to massage and health initiatives being offered? Is it because they feel appreciated?

Your employees are your greatest assets and countless studies prove that when employees are happy, they’re more productive. When employees are more productive, more work gets done. Corporate wellness programs can help reduce healthcare costs, you can see what the CDC had to say about this here.

If you’re considering adding additional wellness initiatives to your wellness program, massage can be a great addition. In fact, some companies are implementing corporate massage programs to offer to employees. Either way, Soothe is here to help. We’ve worked with some of the biggest companies in the world, helping them bring massage programs to employees.

Reach out today to learn more about how we can help your company – here’s the link.

If you’re interested in hosting a massage event for a birthday, wedding, bachelorette party, or for the holiday, you can book your private massage event here.

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How To Set Up A Corporate Massage Event https://www.soothe.com/articles/corporate-massage-event/ Thu, 28 Apr 2022 05:08:14 +0000 https://www.soothe.com/?p=78412 Are you in charge of finding a company to offer massages at your corporate event? If so, you’ll find this article very useful as it should give you full clarity on how to proceed with booking a massage for your corporate event. If you’re now in the process of trying to figure out what type […]

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Are you in charge of finding a company to offer massages at your corporate event? If so, you’ll find this article very useful as it should give you full clarity on how to proceed with booking a massage for your corporate event.

If you’re now in the process of trying to figure out what type of activities to add to your event, massage should definitely be a part of that conversation. When companies bring in chair massage or table massage to corporate events such as health fairs, conferences, office parties, or employee appreciation days, they can create amazing experiences that employees remember and appreciate.

Plus, massage has many health and wellness benefits too.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to set up a massage at a corporate event, including what to know about scheduling, chair massage vs. table massage, and how to get started.

The popularity of massage at events continues to grow, it has become a must-have at any event or party. Not only does corporate event chair massage feel great, but it’s a unique way of showing appreciation to your employees. 

Here’s what you need to know to set up a massage at corporate events.

What Are Massage Events?

Massage is very versatile, you can plan for a massage at any type of corporate event. It doesn’t matter how big or small the event is, whether it’s a company party, an offsite retreat, a health fair, or an appreciation day, massage can easily fit into your event schedule. 

When most companies hold events, massage will likely be just one of several activities for participants to take part in. Depending on the specific type of corporate event being hosted, there may be other vendors, speakers, food, or activities alongside the massage services.

The next big common question you’re likely thinking is, “what type of massage should we offer at the event?” No worries, we can give you a few examples to help you choose the right massage for your type of corporate event. 

What Massage Type Should We Use?

Mobile massage services for your corporate event may include a handful of different massage types you can choose from. If you’re hosting a corporate event that will have activities that include running, sports, or other physical activities, you may want to consider having a sports massage. Sports massage helps to keep muscles and tendons happy and healthy before and after athletic events. It’s a form of table massage where clients remain clothed, so privacy isn’t an issue.

Other types of table massage generally don’t happen at big events, because they’d require private areas for clients to undress. Since one-time events usually don’t have the space (or time) for this, chair massages are often more favored than table massages. In fact, chair massages are the most common at corporate events.

Planning Your Corporate Event Massage

Planning a corporate event massage doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. There will be a few key questions you’re going to need to answer:

  • How many people do you estimate will get a massage?
  • How long do you want massage sessions to be? (10, 15, 30 minutes)
  • What is your budget for the massage event?
  • What dates and times are you going to request?
  • What location will be used for massages? Conference room, hotel, empty office?

Once you have the answers to these questions, you’ll be good to go. By answering the questions above, it should give you a better idea of how many hours you’ll need, how many massage therapists you’ll need, and the total cost to your company. Soothe will be able to go over everything with you and answer any questions you may have.

Chair Massage For Corporate Events

As we touched on earlier, one of the most common massage types for corporate events is a chair massage. 

Getting chair massages set up for your event is simple and easy, a big reason why so many companies and organizations choose the massage type. Your massage therapists will arrive with their massage chairs and provide chair massages to your event attendees.

Chair massages at events generally last 5-10 minutes, but some may last 15 minutes or longer. Some corporate massage companies may require a sign-up sheet ahead of time or it may be used at the event itself.

Organizing Massage At Corporate Events

For those of you that want to host a massage corporate event, getting started is simple.

  1. First, you’ll need to fill out our Corporate Event form. Click here to do so. 
  2. On the form, you’ll want to select Company/Team Events.
  3. You’ll then need to list your name, company name, phone number, email address, region, and any additional information you’d like us to know. You can also use this section to ask questions. Once your inquiry is received, a Soothe associate will be in touch as soon as possible. 

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10 Steps to Avoiding Burnout https://www.soothe.com/articles/10-steps-to-avoiding-burnout/ Thu, 03 Jun 2021 19:11:18 +0000 https://www.soothe.com/?p=73971 Recent grads, remote workers, and stressed-out employees are feeling burnout. Learn why, and how psychologists use massage for burnout treatment. Burnout can affect just about anyone. Most people associate burnout with long work hours or a stressful job. But pressures at home, stressful exams, even a mounting list of chores or errands can trigger that […]

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Recent grads, remote workers, and stressed-out employees are feeling burnout. Learn why, and how psychologists use massage for burnout treatment.

Burnout can affect just about anyone. Most people associate burnout with long work hours or a stressful job. But pressures at home, stressful exams, even a mounting list of chores or errands can trigger that burnt-out feeling. The bad news is, burnout is extremely common, and it’s on the rise. According to a recent study from Deloitte, 77% of people said they have experienced burnout. The good news is, there are ways to prevent burnout. Once you’re able to recognize the first signs of burnout, you can take these active steps to avoid total burnout before it takes its toll.

What are the symptoms of burnout?

Coined in the 1970s, burnout is defined by psychologists as a psychological syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, feelings of cynicism, and reduced personal accomplishment. Avoiding burnout in the first place starts with knowing the symptoms. The signs and symptoms of burnout will look different to everyone, but some of the most common burnout symptoms include:

  • Physical exhaustion
  • Feeling mentally drained or unable to focus
  • Frequent illness or weakened immune system
  • Decreased work or school performance
  • Lack of interest in doing the things you enjoy
  • Headaches
  • Muscle pain and soreness (not due to exercise)

What causes burnout?

While stress is just a part of life, burnout usually occurs when chronic stress and anxiety becomes too much to handle. Our bodies are equipped to endure and recover from a certain amount of stress. But over time, without the proper care and rest, our bodies can’t fully restore themselves. That’s when the symptoms of burnout start to creep in. Knowing what causes it will help you take the necessary steps to prevent and avoid burnout! Common causes of school and work-related burnout include:

  • Excessive drive or ambition to constantly do more and work harder
  • Taking on too many responsibilities
  • Lack of recognition for your work
  • Monotonous or unchallenging tasks
  • Not taking time for breaks, hobbies, or self-care
  • Perfectionism and high-achieving personalities

10 ways to prevent burnout

The best way to avoid burnout is to recognize the symptoms and start taking immediate action. Whether you’re on the road to burnout because of a stressful job or taking care of family members or just finished two weeks of grueling exams, here’s what to do if you’re feeling burnt out:

Take a day off

Your body needs time to restore and recover from the added stress. Use a vacation day, take a mental health day, or ask a friend to watch the kids for a few hours so you can take some time for yourself. The key is to fully unplug and give your brain a break!

Manage expectations

Part of preventing burnout is to set realistic expectations with your managers, teachers, family members, and yourself. Communicate clearly what you’re able to handle, and check in regularly to keep yourself from getting overloaded.

Schedule regular self-care sessions

Part of avoiding burnout is taking care of yourself and checking in. Self-care is key! Book a massage for burnout, or schedule a spa day at home can stop that stress before it gets worse. Having regular wellness appointments in your calendar means you’re less likely to skip them, too.

Exercise to avoid burnout

Moving your body on a regular basis is a great way to relieve stress. It doesn’t have to be strenuous or HIIT to work, either. Gentle yoga, assisted stretching, and walking are great ways to incorporate exercise into your schedule.

Meditate every day

Just 5-10 minutes of mindfulness each day can prevent burnout. Meditation for burnout helps you slow down and take a moment to refocus. For the best results, do your meditation at the same time each day. You can start your day with meditation, or use meditation as a way to take a break during your busy day. Download a meditation app or find a nearby class to get started.

Get more sleep (or take a nap)

One of the leading causes of burnout is not getting enough sleep. But it’s so important for restoration! In fact, many successful people swear by a midday power nap to help them get through the afternoon. The key is to know how much sleep your body needs. You may need to make some lifestyle tweaks or change your nighttime habits to make sure you’re getting enough sleep to prevent burnout.

Clean up your diet

It’s easy to fall into the takeout trap when you’re busy, tired, and just want something easy. But proper nutrition is key to keeping burnout at bay. Try to incorporate more whole foods and vegetables, and drink more water. 

Do what makes you happy

Sometimes the key to avoiding burnout is to channel your energy into something creative, especially for work and school-related burnout. Try some DIY, find a new hobby, or pick up an old hobby. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it has nothing to do with the work that’s causing your burnout!

Ask for help to avoid burnout

There’s no shame in asking for help! Your friends and family, coworkers or peers, or a community support group can help take some of the pressure off you, and remove some items from your to-do list. Some people use this as an excuse to take on more work—don’t do it! Use your support network as a way to give yourself the break your body is asking for. 

Seek professional mental health care

Your mental health matters. If you’re suffering from chronic burnout and stress, it may be time to see a professional therapist or psychologist. They can help you figure out your burnout triggers, and give you personalized treatment plans for combatting your burnout.

Why you should get a massage for burnout

Of course, everyone can benefit from a relaxing massage. For those suffering the symptoms of burnout, however, a massage could make a world of difference. In fact, the stress-reducing effects of massage can relieve the symptoms and feelings of burnout after just one session. According to scientific research, aromatherapy massage with lavender oil has shown to provide immediate and powerful relief from stress and anxiety associated with burnout.

Offices and businesses take note: massage in the workplace is a great way to prevent employee burnout. Stress on the job is a leading cause of burnout among adults in the United States and other developed countries. Providing employees with massages at work helps prevent burnout, and shows them that their company cares about their wellbeing!

Recent grads and students who just finished finals week are perfect candidates for on-demand massage. Burnout is a common side effect of finals week, and new graduates are probably facing more stress looking for jobs or preparing for college. Whether you’re suffering from burnout yourself, or know someone who’s had a stressful couple of weeks, a massage with Soothe is the perfect way to get back on the road to recovery. Massage gift cards are a great gift for grads in 2021!

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Food & Your Mood: Eating Your Way to Better Mental Health https://www.soothe.com/articles/food-your-mood-eating-your-way-to-better-mental-health/ Sat, 29 Aug 2020 19:47:09 +0000 https://www.soothe.com/?p=61492 Healthier diets don’t just have physical benefits. When it comes to food and your mood, the way you eat can also affect your mental health. Fruits, veggies, and whole grains have naturally occurring vitamins, minerals and compounds that fuel our bodies—and our brains. So it makes sense that if you’re not eating enough of them, […]

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Healthier diets don’t just have physical benefits. When it comes to food and your mood, the way you eat can also affect your mental health. Fruits, veggies, and whole grains have naturally occurring vitamins, minerals and compounds that fuel our bodies—and our brains. So it makes sense that if you’re not eating enough of them, you might suffer from poor mental health. In fact, unhealthy diets have been linked to depression

Stress, sugar, and your brain

Plain and simple, sugar can be addicting. Sugary treats trigger pleasure sensors in the brain–the same ones as addictive drugs. That’s one reason that when we feel sad, we might turn to a cookie or ice cream instead of a salad. That’s not to say that eating a piece of cake on your birthday is going to throw you into a depressive state. However, a pattern of addictive behavior is something to watch out for.  

Researchers have found that stress actually triggers a reaction in your body that causes you to seek out sugar. The more stressed-out you feel, the more you’ll probably crave sugary food. Think about the last time you had a stressful work day. At 3pm, did you reach for carrot sticks to fuel you through a tough project, or did you hit up the donuts leftover from the morning meeting? 

One way to prevent the problems associated with diets high in sugar is to reduce your stress levels! More exercise, better sleep, and getting a regular massage can help lower your stress. Replacing your sugary snack habits with more nutritious foods can also have a positive impact on your mental health. 

Mindful eating vs. emotional eating

Emotional eating. We’ve probably heard the term, usually associated with downing a tub of ice cream after a bad break-up. However, emotional eating is a real thing. When you’re stressed, sad, or distracted by your emotions, you’re probably less focused on what (and how much) you eat. Mindful eating is a practice in which you put focused attention on your food while you’re eating it. By slowing down and savoring the tastes, textures and experience of eating healthy foods, you appreciate them more! Mindful eating also helps prevent overeating. WIth more attention on how you feel as you’re eating, you’re more likely to stop when you are actually satisfied.  

Mood-boosting diets

Western diets are often higher in processed foods and sugar compared with traditional diets. When researchers compare the risk of depression for different diets, they found that those eating a Western diet were 25-35% more likely to suffer from depression. While more research is needed to identify the specific reasons for this difference, scientists believe the increased intake of fresh fruits, veggies, and wild-caught fish could be a factor. 

If you want to try following a more traditional diet, many nutritionists recommend starting with the Mediterranean diet. The basics of the Mediterranean diet are to eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, healthy fats like olive oil, unprocessed whole grains, and replace red meats with fresh, wild-caught seafood (grilled, not fried!). The Japanese diet follows a similar pattern. Because Japan is an island nation, the diet there is higher in fresh fish and seaweed, which contains many healthy minerals and vitamins. Japanese diets are also high in gut-friendly fermented foods like tofu and miso, and antioxidant-packed green tea.

Next time you find yourself in an emotional rut, take a moment to observe your eating habits. A change in diet could make a big difference in your mood and mental health!

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Workplace Wellness for In-Office and Remote Employees https://www.soothe.com/articles/workplace-wellness-for-remote-employees/ Sun, 16 Aug 2020 18:11:43 +0000 https://www.soothe.com/?p=60222 Whether you’re back at the office, temporarily working from home, or have gone completely remote, National Wellness Month is the perfect time to reevaluate your workplace wellness benefits. COVID-19 has changed the way we work and live, but that doesn’t mean wellness takes a backseat. There are still many ways to engage with your employees […]

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Whether you’re back at the office, temporarily working from home, or have gone completely remote, National Wellness Month is the perfect time to reevaluate your workplace wellness benefits. COVID-19 has changed the way we work and live, but that doesn’t mean wellness takes a backseat. There are still many ways to engage with your employees and provide unique benefits that keep them healthy and happy. 

Wellness at the Office

Even if your employees are back on-site, your previous wellness benefits may need some tweaks. With the current state of social distancing, many workplace wellness initiatives are no longer available. Here are a few unique wellness offerings for your on-site employees.

  • Reevaluate your fitness benefits. Even if your office has a gym facility, it may not be open for use right now. Instead, look for alternative fitness opportunities for your employees. Schedule group outings to local outdoor classes after work. If you have too many employees to accommodate, you can offer a fitness stipend for employees to take a class or join a gym. Check with local fitness studios for special group discounts and offers. 
  • Schedule in-office massages. A quick 15-minute massage in the middle of the workday can make a huge difference. Providing at-work chair massages is a great way to boost productivity and morale at your office. Soothe at Work has different workplace wellness packages to fit your company’s needs. Plus, with our Soothe Safe™ policy, you can be sure your employees are safe and protected.
  • Host a (healthy) catered lunch. Whether you do it once a week or make it a monthly thing, giving employees access to healthy food is a great wellness benefit. People are more likely to eat healthy food when it’s less work to seek it out. Tap into your local food truck network, cater from a vegan restaurant, or let your employees vote to choose what they want for the next meeting. 
  • Try flexible work schedules. Give employees more flexibility with their hours, rather than pushing strict timeframes for being at work. Allowing them to make doctor appointments, or accommodate a child’s schedule (especially during school closures) will empower them to prioritize their wellness.

Workplace Wellness for Remote Employees

Wellness programs are typically designed for employees who are physically present at the office. However, it’s important not to forget to offer wellness benefits for your remote workers, too. With many companies still working from home or turning to a fully remote workforce, rethinking your wellness offerings can make your company more attractive for top talent. 

  • Use technology. Just because you’re not all in the same place doesn’t mean your benefits should only cater to one location! Health and fitness apps can host group challenges that remote workers can participate in from anywhere. Plus, an app can centralize your workplace wellness initiatives for easier management.
  • Host a virtual wellness happy hour. Skip the drinks and do a healthy group activity instead. Soothe at Work offers virtual meditation sessions that all your employees can participate in. You can also do online aromatherapy workshops, cooking classes, or try a zoom workout class together.
  • Encourage communication. Feeling isolated is often linked to increased stress, anxiety and depression. Social interaction is essential for remote workers to combat feeling isolated from everyone else. Digital messaging apps like Slack and Skype can bridge the physical distance between remote employees. Plus, communication tools can help make remote work more efficient, too.
  • Give the gift of wellness. Let your remote employees schedule some R&R with an at-home massage. Soothe gift cards are a great way for remote employees to reap the benefits of massage, without having to be local or find a spa! They’re available in single or corporate multi-packs, and they never expire.

More Workplace Wellness Ideas

No matter where your employees are, wellness programs are a great way to keep them happy and performing at their best. While the above ideas are a good start, there are even more ways to help your employees succeed through wellness benefits! 

  • Volunteer as a group. Organize ways for your employees to get involved with their communities together. This fosters a sense of camaraderie among your employees and does good out in the world. If you have a mix of in-office and remote staff, choose activities that can be done in any city, so everyone can participate. 
  • Provide mental health support. Therapy is a vital service for many people, especially when work becomes overwhelming. With the added stress COVID-19 puts on many families, having an outlet is more crucial than ever. By offering therapy services through your wellness package, employees are more apt to use them when they need it. 
  • Encourage taking time off. Everyone needs a break every now and again! In fact, taking a vacation can actually make you more productive when you come back. Even though far-flung trips aren’t possible right now, taking time away from work is an important part of self-care. Make sure your employees are able to get the time off they need. 
  • Provide resources and information. Sometimes the reason employees don’t prioritize their health is because they don’t know where to start. By taking out the initial legwork, you make it easier for your staff to get what they need. Monthly health newsletters, email communications, and even webinars are a great way to provide information and resources to help them along their wellness journeys.

If you want to include in-office massage and virtual wellness sessions in your benefits offerings, talk to a Soothe at Work team member. We can design a custom workplace wellness package to accommodate all your employees, even if they’re working remotely. 

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